Vehicle base station

ABSTRACT

A system to load and unload material from a vehicle comprises a vehicle base station and an assembly to autonomously load and unload material from the vehicle.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

None

BACKGROUND

The subject matter described herein relates to vehicle base stations,and more particularly to a vehicle base station that includes a platformfor loading material on one or more autonomous vehicles such as anunmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) or the like.

Autonomous vehicles have found increased utility in industrial, lawenforcement, and military applications. Examples of autonomous vehiclesinclude drone aircraft and robotic vehicles. Some autonomous vehiclesare powered, at least in part, by batteries. Thus, battery powerprovides a meaningful limitation on the ability to use autonomousvehicles in a persistent fashion, particularly in remote locations.Accordingly, systems and methods to enable autonomous vehicles to removebatteries or other payload and reload fresh batteries or other payloadmay find utility.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanyingfigures.

FIG. 1 is an illustration of an unmanned aerial vehicle environment inaccordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a block diagram of an unmannedaerial vehicle base station in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of a block diagram of a dataprocessing system in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of a block diagram of a power generationsystem in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of a block diagram of a sensor system inaccordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of a block diagram of a charging station inaccordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 7 is an illustration of a block diagram of an unmanned aerialvehicle in accordance with an embodiment.

FIG. 8A is an illustration of a side cross-sectional view of a vehiclebase station in accordance with embodiments.

FIG. 8B is an illustration of a top cross-sectional view of a vehiclebase station in accordance with embodiments.

FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a modular battery pack according toembodiments.

FIGS. 9B-9D are illustrations of perspective views of a modular batterycase and a battery receptacle in accordance with embodiments.

FIG. 9E is a schematic, perspective view of a locking anchor and alocking component, according to embodiments.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating operations in a method to replace apayload on a vehicle, according to embodiments.

SUMMARY

Described herein is an exemplary system to load and unload material froma vehicle. In some embodiments the system comprises a vehicle basestation and an assembly to autonomously load and unload material fromthe vehicle.

In another embodiment a method to replace a first payload on a vehiclecomprises positioning the vehicle on a platform of a vehicle basestation such that the first payload is aligned with an aperture in theplatform, aligning an empty docking station in a payload advancingassembly with the aperture, removing the first payload from the vehicle,placing the first payload in the empty docking station of the payloadadvancing assembly, advancing the payload advancing assembly to align afull docking station with the aperture, and securing a second payload tothe vehicle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth toprovide a thorough understanding of various embodiments. However, itwill be understood by those skilled in the art that the variousembodiments may be practiced without the specific details. In otherinstances, well-known methods, procedures, components, and elements havenot been illustrated or described in detail so as not to obscure theparticular embodiments.

One embodiment of a vehicle loading platform will be described withreference to an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) environment. An unmannedaerial vehicle (UAV) is an aircraft that is capable of flying withouthuman operators being present in the aircraft. Unmanned aerial vehiclesmay be controlled from a remote location. At this remote location, ahuman operator or a program executed by a computer generates commandsfor the unmanned aerial vehicle. Unmanned aerial vehicles also may becontrolled using a program running on a computer or other controller onthe unmanned aerial vehicle.

Unmanned aerial vehicles are used for a number of different purposes. Inmilitary and security applications, unmanned aerial vehicles may be usedto perform missions that may include, for example, without limitation,reconnaissance missions, attack missions, and/or other suitable types ofmissions. Unmanned aerial vehicles also may be used in a number ofcivilian applications. For example, without limitation, unmanned aerialvehicles may be used to perform surveying, firefighting, and/or othersuitable types of missions.

Unmanned aerial vehicles may come in a number of different sizes andshapes. Unmanned aerial vehicles may, for example, take the form offixed wing aircraft, helicopters, and/or ornithopters. For example,without limitation, an unmanned aerial vehicle may take the form of anairplane, a helicopter, or some other suitable type of device capable offlying. The size of an unmanned aerial vehicle may vary greatly. Forexample, an unmanned aerial vehicle may have a wing span from about afew inches to about 200 feet, depending on the type of unmanned aerialvehicle.

Smaller unmanned aerial vehicles are referred to as micro air vehicles.These types of air vehicles may be configured to be carried by a personand may be launched by throwing the micro air vehicles in the air. Thesmall size of these types of air vehicles allows this type of launchingmethod to provide sufficient velocity for these air vehicles to beginflight. The size of unmanned aerial vehicles has been reduced in partbecause of a reduction in the sizes of sensors, motors, power supplies,and controllers for these types of vehicles.

Reductions in vehicle size and cost make it possible to operate thesevehicles in large numbers. For example, micro air vehicles (MAVs) may beoperated in numbers that are about the size of a squad or platoon, ascompared to operating one or two larger unmanned aerial vehicles. Thistype of operation increases the monitoring that can be performed for aparticular area. These types of unmanned aerial vehicles also may landon a perch, a building, or another location. In this manner, a micro airvehicle may monitor a particular location without having to continueflight. The micro air vehicle may be repositioned if the area ofinterest changes.

For example, a micro air vehicle may land on a building in a city ortown. The micro air vehicle may monitor a particular road or building inthe city. Micro air vehicles, however, have limitations with theirsmaller size, as compared to larger unmanned aerial vehicles. Forexample, the processing power and data transmission ranges may be morelimited for micro air vehicles, as compared to larger unmanned aerialvehicles. Further, the range of these micro air vehicles may be shorter,as compared to the larger unmanned aerial vehicles.

Various embodiments described herein provide a vehicle base station forautonomous vehicles including unmanned aerial vehicles. In someembodiments, a base station comprises a housing defining at least oneplatform to support at least one vehicle carrying a payload, a vehicledocking assembly to align the payload at a desired location on theplatform, and a payload replacement assembly to remove the payload fromthe vehicle and to replace the payload with a new payload. Variousaspects of embodiments of vehicle base stations and unmanned aerialvehicles will be explained with reference to the figures, below.

With reference to FIG. 1, an illustration of an unmanned aerial vehicleenvironment is depicted in accordance with an embodiment. Unmannedaerial vehicle environment 100 includes unmanned aerial vehicle basestation 102, unmanned aerial vehicle base station 104, and unmannedaerial vehicle base station 106.

In the example depicted in FIG. 1, unmanned aerial vehicle base station102 is located on rooftop 108 of building 110 within a town 112.Unmanned aerial vehicle base station 104 is associated with vehicle 114.A first component may be considered to be associated with a secondcomponent by being secured to the second component, bonded to the secondcomponent, fastened to the second component, and/or connected to thesecond component in some other suitable manner. The first component alsomay be connected to the second component by a third component. The firstcomponent may be considered to be associated with the second componentby being formed as part of and/or an extension of the second component.

Unmanned aerial vehicle base station 106 is located on power lines 116.Unmanned aerial vehicle base stations 102, 104, and 106 may be deployedin a number of different ways. Unmanned aerial vehicle base station 102may be dropped off by helicopter on rooftop 108. The location ofunmanned aerial vehicle base station 102 on rooftop 108 may result inunmanned aerial vehicle base station 102 being less observable. Further,this location may provide a better line of sight between unmanned aerialvehicle base station 102 and communication arrays. In this manner, therange at which unmanned aerial vehicle base station 102 may communicatewith unmanned aerial vehicles may be increased.

Unmanned aerial vehicle base station 104 is associated with vehicle 114.By being associated with vehicle 114, unmanned aerial vehicle basestation 104 may be moved periodically or constantly. This type ofdeployment may reduce the discoverability of unmanned aerial vehiclebase station 104. Further, by providing mobility to unmanned aerialvehicle base station 104, greater flexibility may be present forperforming missions. In addition, unmanned aerial vehicle base station104 may be removed from vehicle 114 and placed on the ground or in someother suitable location.

Unmanned aerial vehicle base station 106 may be deployed onto powerlines 116 by being dropped by a helicopter, on a parachute, or someother suitable mechanism. Unmanned aerial vehicle base station 106 maybe less observable on power lines 116. As depicted, unmanned aerialvehicles, such as unmanned aerial vehicles 118, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128,130, 132, 134, 136, and 138 may operate from unmanned aerial vehiclebase stations 102, 104, and 106.

In these illustrative examples, unmanned aerial vehicle base stations102, 104, and 106 provide a base from which the different unmannedaerial vehicles may transmit data, receive instructions, recharge, bestored, and/or perform other operations.

Additionally, unmanned aerial vehicles may travel from base station tobase station. In other words, unmanned aerial vehicle base stations 102,104, and 106 may provide a network to extend the range of unmannedaerial vehicles. Having multiple unmanned aerial vehicle base stationsalso may provide backup in case one unmanned aerial vehicle base stationmalfunctions or fails to perform as needed.

As can be seen in this depicted example, unmanned aerial vehicle basestations 102, 104, and 106 may be placed in locations where detection ofthose base stations may be reduced. These locations may include otherlocations other than those illustrated in this particular example. Forexample, unmanned aerial vehicle base stations 102, 104, and 106 may beplaced in trees, in brush, and/or in other suitable locations.

The unmanned aerial vehicles may be used to perform a number ofdifferent missions in unmanned aerial vehicle environment 100. In thisillustrative example, the unmanned aerial vehicles may monitor forundesired activity. For example, the undesired activity may be theplacement of an improvised explosive device in roadway 140. In anotherexample, the unmanned aerial vehicles may monitor for movement ofvehicles or people. In still other examples, unmanned aerial vehiclesmay be used to monitor for construction of structures.

With reference now to FIG. 2, an illustration of a block diagram of anunmanned aerial vehicle base station is depicted in accordance with anadvantageous embodiment. Unmanned aerial vehicle base station 200 is anexample of an unmanned aerial vehicle base station that may be used toimplement unmanned aerial vehicle base stations 102, 104, and 106 inFIG. 1.

In this illustrative example, unmanned aerial vehicle base station 200comprises platform 202, battery system 204, power generation system 206,number of charging stations 208, controller 210, sensor system 212,and/or other suitable components.

Platform 202 is configured to hold one or more unmanned aerial vehicles214. In other words, number of unmanned aerial vehicles 214 may beplaced in and/or stored in or on platform 202. For example, platform 202may have bay 216 in which number of unmanned aerial vehicles 214 mayland. Bay 216 may be an area of platform 202 surrounded by walls with anopening on the top side of platform 202. In other advantageousembodiments, bay 216 may have walls and a roof with an opening on theside of platform 202. An unmanned aerial vehicle is considered to behoused when the unmanned aerial vehicle enters into or lands on platform202.

Additionally, platform 202 may be configured to provide protection fromenvironment 224 for number of unmanned aerial vehicles 214 when numberof unmanned aerial vehicles 214 is housed in platform 202.

Platform 202 also may have movable cover system 218 that is configuredto move between open position 220 and closed position 222. Movable coversystem 218 may cover bay 216. When movable cover system 218 is in openposition 220, number of unmanned aerial vehicles 214 may take off fromand/or land in or on platform 202.

When movable cover system 218 is in closed position 222, number ofunmanned aerial vehicles 214 located in bay 216 of platform 202 may beprotected from environment 224. Further, closed position 222 alsoprovides a configuration for transporting number of unmanned aerialvehicles 214 in unmanned aerial vehicle base station 200.

Battery system 204 and power generation system 206 provide electricalenergy 226 for unmanned aerial vehicle base station 200 and number ofunmanned aerial vehicles 214. Battery system 204 is optional and storeselectrical energy 226 generated by power generation system 206. Powergeneration system 206 generates electrical energy 226 from environment224 in which unmanned aerial vehicle base station 200 is located.

A number of charging stations 208 are connected to battery system 204.Charging stations 208 are configured to charge batteries for a number ofunmanned aerial vehicles 214 using electrical energy 226. Further,charging stations 208 provide electrical energy 226 to controller 210and sensor system 212 in unmanned aerial vehicle base station 200.

In some embodiments, aerial vehicles 214 may take the form of liquidfueled unmanned aerial vehicles. In these illustrative examples,charging stations 208 is configured to refuel these liquid fueledunmanned aerial vehicles. For example, unmanned aerial vehicle basestation 200 may have liquid refueling system 244. Liquid refuelingsystem 244 has liquid fuel tank 246 containing liquid fuel. The liquidfuel may be, for example, gasoline or diesel fuel. Pump 248 in liquidrefueling system 244 transfers the liquid fuel in liquid fuel tank 246to number of charging stations 208. Charging stations 208 may beconfigured to provide liquid fuel to the liquid fuel unmanned aerialvehicles.

In these embodiments, controller 210 may be configured to control thepumping of liquid fuel from liquid refueling system 244. In someembodiments, liquid refueling system 244 may deliver liquid fuel to oneor more unmanned aerial vehicles 214 at number of charging stations 208using a syringe injection system.

In these embodiments, controller 210 may be configured to receive sensordata 236 from number of unmanned aerial vehicles 214. Additionally,controller 210 may be configured to generate information 238 from sensordata 236. Information 238 may then be sent to remote location 240.Remote location 240 is a location remote to unmanned aerial vehicle basestation 200. The remote location may include a mission planning systemor a human operator. Controller 210 may also be configured to programeach of number of unmanned aerial vehicles 214 with mission 242. Mission242 may be the same or different for each of number of unmanned aerialvehicles 214.

Sensor system 212 generates sensor data 248 from environment 224. Sensordata 248 may be sent to remote location 240 or may be used to sendcommands 250 to number of unmanned aerial vehicles 214.

The illustration of unmanned aerial vehicle base station 200 in FIG. 2is not meant to imply physical or architectural limitations to themanner in which different advantageous embodiments may be implemented.Other components in addition to and/or in place of the ones illustratedmay be used. Some components may be unnecessary in some advantageousembodiments. Also, the blocks are presented to illustrate somefunctional components. One or more of these blocks may be combinedand/or divided into different blocks when implemented in differentembodiments.

For example, in some embodiments, different forms of energy may bestored in storage devices for conversion into electrical energy fornumber of unmanned aerial vehicles 214. These storage devices may bedevices other than battery system 204. These devices may include, forexample, without limitation, capacitors, flywheels, compressed airdevices, and/or other suitable energy storage devices. One or more ofthese devices may be connected to charging stations 208. In someembodiments a base station may comprise a system to replace a batterypack (or other payload) on a vehicle. Further, a base station maycomprise an assembly to recharge one or more batteries. Embodiments ofsuch base station are described below with reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B.

Turning to FIG. 3, an illustration of a block diagram of a dataprocessing system is depicted in accordance with an embodiment. Dataprocessing system 300 is an example of an implementation for controller210 in FIG. 2. In this illustrative example, data processing system 300includes communications fabric 302, which provides communicationsbetween processor unit 304, memory 306, persistent storage 308,communication unit 310, and input/output (I/O) unit 312.

Processor unit 304 serves to execute instructions for software that maybe loaded into memory 306. Processor unit 304 may be a set of one ormore processors or may be a multi-processor core, depending on theparticular implementation. Further, processor unit 304 may beimplemented using one or more heterogeneous processor systems in which amain processor is present with secondary processors on a single chip. Asanother illustrative example, processor unit 304 may be a symmetricmulti-processor system containing multiple processors of the same type.

Memory 306 and persistent storage 308 are examples of storage devices316. A storage device is any piece of hardware that is capable ofstoring information, such as, for example, without limitation, data,program code in functional form, and/or other suitable informationeither on a temporary basis and/or a permanent basis. Memory 306, inthese examples, may be, for example, a random access memory or any othersuitable volatile or non-volatile storage device.

Persistent storage 308 may take various forms, depending on theparticular implementation. For example, persistent storage 308 maycontain one or more components or devices. For example, persistentstorage 308 may be a hard drive, a flash memory, a rewritable opticaldisk, a rewritable magnetic tape, or some combination of the above. Themedia used by persistent storage 308 may be removable. For example, aremovable hard drive may be used for persistent storage 308.

Communication unit 310, in these examples, provides for communicationwith other data processing systems or devices. In these examples,communications unit 310 is a network interface card. Communications unit310 may provide communications through the use of either or bothphysical and wireless communications links.

Communications unit 310 is configured to provide wireless communicationslinks. These wireless communications links may include, for example,without limitation, a satellite communications link, a microwavefrequency communications link, a radio frequency communications link,and/or other suitable types of wireless communication links.

Input/output unit 312 allows for the input and output of data with otherdevices that may be connected to data processing system 300. Forexample, input/output unit 312 may provide a connection for user inputthrough a keyboard, a mouse, and/or some other suitable input device.Further, input/output unit 312 may send output to a printer. Display 314provides a mechanism to display information to a user.

Instructions for the operating system, applications, and/or programs maybe located in storage devices 316, which are in communication withprocessor unit 304 through communications fabric 302. In theseillustrative examples, the instructions are in a functional form onpersistent storage 308. These instructions may be loaded into memory 306for execution by processor unit 304. The processes of the differentembodiments may be performed by processor unit 304 using computerimplemented instructions, which may be located in a memory, such asmemory 306.

These instructions are referred to as program code, computer usableprogram code, or computer readable program code that may be read andexecuted by a processor in processor unit 304. The program code, in thedifferent embodiments, may be embodied on different physical or computerreadable storage media, such as memory 306 or persistent storage 308.

Program code 318 is located in a functional form on computer readablemedia 320 that is selectively removable and may be loaded onto ortransferred to data processing system 300 for execution by processorunit 304. Program code 318 and computer readable media 320 form computerprogram product 322. In one example, computer readable media 320 may becomputer readable storage media 324 or computer readable signal media326.

Computer readable storage media 324 may include, for example, an opticalor magnetic disk that is inserted or placed into a drive or other devicethat is part of persistent storage 308 for transfer onto a storagedevice, such as a hard drive, that is part of persistent storage 308.Computer readable storage media 324 also may take the form of apersistent storage, such as a hard drive, a thumb drive, or flash memorythat is connected to data processing system 300. In some instances,computer readable storage media 324 may not be removable from dataprocessing system 300.

Alternatively, program code 318 may be transferred to data processingsystem 300 using computer readable signal media 326. Computer readablesignal media 326 may be, for example, a propagated data signalcontaining program code 318. For example, computer readable signal media326 may be an electromagnetic signal, an optical signal, and/or anyother suitable type of signal. These signals may be transmitted overcommunication links, such as wireless communications links, an opticalfiber cable, a coaxial cable, a wire, and/or any other suitable type ofcommunication link. In other words, the communication link and/or theconnection may be physical or wireless in the illustrative examples.

In some embodiments, program code 318 may be downloaded over a networkto persistent storage 308 from another device or data processing systemthrough computer readable signal media 326 for use within dataprocessing system 300. For instance, program code stored in a computerreadable storage media in a server data processing system may bedownloaded over a network from the server to data processing system 300.The data processing system providing program code 318 may be a servercomputer, a client computer, or some other device capable of storing andtransmitting program code 318.

The different components illustrated for data processing system 300 arenot meant to provide architectural limitations to the manner in whichdifferent embodiments may be implemented. The different illustrativeembodiments may be implemented in a data processing system, includingcomponents in addition to or in place of those illustrated for dataprocessing system 300. Other components shown in FIG. 3 can be variedfrom the illustrative examples shown. The different embodiments may beimplemented using any hardware device or system capable of executingprogram code. As one example, data processing system 300 may includeorganic components integrated with inorganic components and/or may becomprised entirely of organic components excluding a human being. Forexample, a storage device may be comprised of an organic semiconductor.

As another example, a storage device in data processing system 300 isany hardware apparatus that may store data. Memory 306, persistentstorage 308, and computer readable media 320 are examples of storagedevices in a tangible form.

In another example, a bus system may be used to implement communicationsfabric 302 and may be comprised of one or more buses, such as a systembus or an input/output bus. Of course, the bus system may be implementedusing any suitable type of architecture that provides for a transfer ofdata between different components or devices attached to the bus system.Additionally, a communications unit may include one or more devices usedto transmit and receive data, such as a modem or a network adapter.Further, a memory may be, for example, memory 306 or a cache such asfound in an interface and memory controller hub that may be present incommunications fabric 302.

With reference to FIG. 4, an illustration of a block diagram of a powergeneration system is depicted in accordance with an advantageousembodiment. Power generation system 400 is an example of oneimplementation for power generation system 206 in FIG. 2. Powergeneration system 400 generates electrical energy 401 in theseillustrative examples.

Power generation system 400 may include energy harvesting system 402.Energy harvesting system 402 may comprise at least one of solar powergeneration unit 404, inductive power generation unit 406, wind powergeneration unit 408, and/or other suitable types of energy harvestingunits. Power generation system 400 also may include radioisotope thermalelectrical generation unit 410, power converter 412, and/or othersuitable types of power generation devices, e.g., fuel cells, batteries,electric generators, or electric outlets.

As used herein, the phrase “at least one of”, when used with a list ofitems, means that different combinations of one or more of the listeditems may be used and only one of each item in the list may be needed.For example, “at least one of item A, item B, and item C” may include,for example, without limitation, item A or item A and item B. Thisexample also may include item A, item B, and item C, or item B and itemC. In other examples, “at least one of” may be, for example, withoutlimitation, two of item A, one of item B, and 10 of item C; four of itemB and seven of item C; and other suitable combinations.

Solar power generation unit 404 generates electrical energy 401 fromexposure to sunlight or other light in the environment. Solar powergeneration unit 404 may comprise solar energy cells 416. In thedifferent illustrative examples, solar energy cells 416 may take theform of photovoltaic units. Solar energy cells 416 may be located on,for example, without limitation, movable cover system 218 in FIG. 2.

Inductive power generation unit 406 generates power inductively when analternating current source is present, such as in power lines. Thispower may be used to provide electrical energy 401. Wind powergeneration unit 408 may include a number of wind power turbines thatgenerate electrical energy 401 from wind that may be present in theenvironment.

Radioisotope thermal electrical generation unit 410 generates electricalenergy 401 from radioactive material that decays. The decay of theradioactive material generates heat used by radioisotope thermalelectrical generation unit 410 to generate electrical energy 401. Thisradioactive material is carried by the unmanned aerial vehicle basestation in these examples.

Power converter 412 converts electrical power from one form to anotherform. For example, power converter 412 may convert alternating current(AC) energy into direct current (DC) energy. Power converter 412 alsomay change the frequency of alternating current energy as anotherexample. In yet another example, power converter 412 may change thecurrent flow. Power converter 412 may be used when a power source, suchas an electrical outlet, is present. In these illustrative examples,power converter 412 converts energy into electrical energy 401 for useby an unmanned aerial vehicle.

Referring now to FIG. 5, an illustration of a block diagram of a sensorsystem is depicted in accordance with an advantageous embodiment. Sensorsystem 500 is an example of one implementation for sensor system 212 inFIG. 2. In these illustrative examples, sensor system 500 generatessensor data 501. Sensor system 500, in this example, includes camerasystem 502, global positioning system unit 504, weather sensors 506, andmotion detector 508.

Camera system 502 may comprise number of cameras 510. Cameras 510 mayinclude at least one of visible light camera 512, infrared camera 514,and other suitable types of cameras. In some advantageous embodiments,visible light camera 512 and infrared camera 514 are combined as part ofa multispectral camera.

Camera system 502 generates sensor data 501 in the form of image data518. Global positioning system unit 504 generates location information520 in sensor data 501. Location information 520 may include, forexample, latitude, longitude, and an elevation. Additionally, timeinformation 522 also may be generated by global positioning system unit504.

Weather sensors 506 generate weather data 524 in sensor data 501 thatmay be used to identify weather conditions. For example, weather sensors506 may generate information about wind speed, pressure, wind direction,humidity, temperature, and/or other suitable information.

Motion detector 508 generates motion data 526 in sensor data 501. Motiondetector 508 generates motion data 526 when motion in an area monitoredby motion detector 508 is detected.

Turning now to FIG. 6, an illustration of a block diagram of a chargingstation is depicted in accordance with an advantageous embodiment.Charging station 600 is an example of an implementation for a chargingstation within number of charging stations 208 in FIG. 2.

Charging station 600 may comprise at least one of inductive chargingsystem 602 and conductive charging system 604. Inductive charging system602 generates magnetic field 606. Magnetic field 606 may induce anothermagnetic field in a coil located within the device being charged. Inthis manner, the current may be caused to flow in the device beingcharged without contact between inductive charging system 602 and thedevice.

Conductive charging system 604 includes contacts 608. Contacts 608 maybe placed in physical contact with contacts on the device being charged.This contact allows for electrical current 610 to flow from conductivecharging system 604 to the device being charged by charging station 600.In this manner, the device may be charged and/or recharged to performadditional operations or missions.

Turing now to FIG. 7, an illustration of a block diagram of an unmannedaerial vehicle is depicted in accordance with an advantageousembodiment. Unmanned aerial vehicle 700 is an example of oneimplementation for number of unmanned aerial vehicles 214 in FIG. 2. Insome embodiments the vehicles may include manned aerial vehicles orvehicles other than aerial vehicles, e.g., ground vehicles such as cars,trucks, tanks, or the like.

In this illustrative example, unmanned aerial vehicle 700 may take anumber of forms. For example, unmanned aerial vehicle 700 may be, forexample, without limitation, airplane 702, helicopter 704, ornithopter706, or some other suitable type of aircraft.

As illustrated, unmanned aerial vehicle 700 comprises body 708,propulsion system 710, battery 712, charging system 714, processor unit716, storage device 718, wireless communications device 720, and numberof sensors 722. Body 708 provides a structure in which the differentcomponents of unmanned aerial vehicle 700 may be associated with eachother. For example, without limitation, body 708 may be a fuselage.Further, body 708 may include aerodynamic surfaces, such as wings orother types of surfaces.

Propulsion system 710 is configured to move unmanned aerial vehicle 700in the air. Propulsion system 710 may be, for example, withoutlimitation, an electric motor configured to rotate a propeller or othertype of blade. In other advantageous embodiments, propulsion system 710may be configured to move wings on body 708 when unmanned aerial vehicle700 takes the form of ornithopter 706. Battery 712 provides electricalenergy for unmanned aerial vehicle 700.

Charging system 714 is connected to battery 712 and allows battery 712to be recharged at a charging station. Charging system 714 may includeinductive coils for an inductive charging system or conductive contactsfor a conductive charging system. In some advantageous embodiments,charging system 714 also may be used to transfer data. As oneillustrative example, charging system 714 may provide a modulated chargeas a carrier frequency. This modulated charge allows for the transfer ofdata in addition to the providing of power.

As another illustrative example, conductive contacts in charging system714 may be used to transfer data. In other advantageous embodiments,power may be provided wirelessly by charging system 714 using microwavesor a laser.

Processor unit 716 runs a number of programs for missions in theseillustrative examples. Storage device 718 may store sensor data 724generated by sensors 722. Additionally, storage device 718 may storemission 726 that is executed or run by processor unit 716. Mission 726may be, for example, without limitation, a program, an identification ofa target, and/or other suitable types of information.

Wireless communication device 720 is configured to providecommunications between unmanned aerial vehicle 700 and a remotelocation, such as unmanned aerial vehicle base station 200 or remotelocation 240 in FIG. 2. In these illustrative examples, number ofsensors 722 may include, for example, at least one of visible lightcamera 728, infrared light camera 730, motion detector 732, and/or othersuitable types of sensors used to generate sensor data 724 forprocessing by processor unit 716.

The illustration of unmanned aerial vehicle base station 200 and itscomponents in FIGS. 2-6 and unmanned aerial vehicle 700 in FIG. 7 arenot meant to imply physical or architectural limitations to the mannerin which different advantageous embodiments may be implemented. Othercomponents in addition to and/or in place of the ones illustrated may beused. Some components may be unnecessary in some advantageousembodiments. Also, the blocks are presented to illustrate somefunctional components. One or more of these blocks may be combinedand/or divided into different blocks when implemented in differentadvantageous embodiments.

For example, in some embodiments, unmanned aerial vehicle base station200 may not include movable cover system 218. Instead, bay 216 may beconfigured to provide protection from environment 224 without movingparts. For example, bay 216 may be a cavity in platform 202 with anopening configured to protect number of unmanned aerial vehicles 214from environment 224. Additionally, in some embodiments, unmanned aerialvehicle 700 may not have wireless communications device 720. Instead, awired contact may be used to transfer data from unmanned aerial vehicle700 to unmanned aerial vehicle base station 200 when unmanned aerialvehicle 700 lands on platform 202.

In some embodiments a vehicle base station may be adapted to include anassembly for automatically removing a payload from a vehicle andreplacing the payload. In embodiments described herein the payloadcomprises a modular battery case which is selectably attachable to abattery receptacle on the vehicle. Further, the vehicle base station maybe adapted to recharge batteries removed from the vehicles.

One embodiment of a vehicle base station 800 depicted in FIG. 8A andFIG. 8B. FIG. 8A is an illustration of a side cross-sectional view of avehicle base station 800, and FIG. 8B is an illustration of a topcross-sectional view of a vehicle base station 800 in accordance withembodiments. In some embodiments, a vehicle base station 800 comprises ahousing 810 defining at least one platform 820 to support at least onevehicle 830 carrying a payload 840, a vehicle docking assembly 850 toalign the payload 840 at a desired location on the platform 820, and apayload replacement assembly 860 to remove the payload 840 from thevehicle 830 and to replace the payload 840 with a new payload 840.

Referring to FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B, in some embodiments the housing 810comprises a base 812, walls 814 and a platform 820 which define aninternal chamber. An aperture 822 in the platform 820 provides access tothe internal chamber. The dimensions of the housing 810 are notcritical, and may be a function of the size of vehicle 830 for which thehousing 810 is adapted. For smaller vehicles such as the micro airvehicles described above the housing may be dimensioned such that it isreadily portable. For larger vehicles, e.g., unmanned aerial vehicles ormanned aerial vehicles the housing 810 would need to be larger.

A vehicle 830 such as, e.g., an aircraft or an automobile, may bepositioned on the platform 820. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 8Athe vehicle 830 is an unmanned aerial vehicle comprising a body 832, aframe structure 834, rotors 836 and supports 838.

In some embodiments a vehicle docking assembly 850 is coupled to theplatform 820 to secure the vehicle 820 in an appropriate location abovethe aperture 822 in the platform. In the embodiment depicted herein thevehicle docking assembly 850 comprises an alignment mechanism to alignthe vehicle in a predetermined position on the platform. By way ofexample, the vehicle docking assembly 850 may comprise one or moreelectromagnetic pads 850 positioned on the surface of the platform 820.When activated, electromagnetic pads 850 generate a magnetic force tosecure the supports 838 of the vehicle 830 to the platform 820.

A payload replacement assembly 860 is positioned within the chamberdefined by the housing 810. In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 8A and8B the payload replacement assembly 860 comprises a hoist assembly 862which raises a payload platform 864 from a first position, asillustrated in FIG. 8A, in which the payload platform 862 is displacedfrom a payload 840 to a second position in which the payload platformcontacts a payload 840 mounted on the vehicle 830. The hoist assembly860 may be actuated by a conventional motor 866.

A payload advancing assembly 870 cooperates with the payload replacementassembly to receive a payload 840 from the vehicle 830 and to advance apayload 840 into a position from which the payload may be hoisted ontothe vehicle 830. In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 8A and 8B thepayload advancing assembly comprises a turntable 872 which rotates abouta central axis. The platform comprises a plurality of docking stations874 to hold a payload 840. In some embodiments the docking stations 874define an aperture in the turntable 872 through which the payloadplatform 864 may pass when the hoist assembly 860 raises the payloadplatform 864 to contact the payload 840. Thus, referring to FIG. 8B, thepayload platform 864 is visible through the aperture in the dockingstation 874 of the turntable 872.

While the specific composition of the payload 840 is not critical, insome embodiments the payload 840 may comprise one or more batteries fromwhich the vehicle 830 draws power. In such embodiments the dockingstations 874 may comprise or be coupled to a battery charging substationsuch that batteries removed from the vehicle 830 may be recharged whilethey are positioned on the turntable 872.

In some embodiments one or more batteries for the vehicle 830 may bestored within a modular battery pack that is adapted to engage with areceptacle that may be coupled to the vehicle 830. FIG. 9A is aperspective view of a modular battery pack 900 according to embodiments.Referring to FIG. 9A, a modular battery pack 900 may comprise a lowerportion 910 and an upper portion 920, which define an internal chamberinto which one or more batteries may be placed. The upper surface 922 ofthe upper portion 920 comprises one or more alignment pins 924 and oneor more locking anchors 930 which facilitate coupling the battery pack900 to a receptacle 940 (See FIG. 9B) mounted on the vehicle 830.

FIGS. 9B-9D are illustrations of perspective views of a modular batterycase 900 and a battery receptacle 940 in accordance with embodiments.Referring to FIGS. 9B-9D, the battery receptacle 940 comprises fourwalls 942 and a top 944 which define an open-bottomed chamber to receivea battery pack 900. The top 944 comprises one or more holes 948 toreceive the alignment pins 924 and one or more locking components 946 toreceive the locking anchors 930 on the battery pack.

FIG. 9E is a schematic, perspective view of a locking anchor 930 and alocking component 946, according to embodiments. Referring briefly toFIG. 9E, the locking anchor 930 may be coupled to the locking component946, the jaws 948 of which close and lock onto the locking anchor 930.When the engagement/disengagement button 950 is depressed the jawsrelease the locking anchor 930.

Having described various structural components of an example vehiclebase station, methods of using such a base station will now be describe.In some embodiments a vehicle base station as described herein may beused to implement a method to replace a payload 840 on a vehicle 830,which will be described with reference to FIG. 10.

In use, a vehicle such as vehicle 830 is positioned (operation 1010) onthe platform 820 of the housing 810. In the case of an airborne vehiclesuch as a UAV or an MAV, the airborne vehicle may be landed directly onthe platform. Alternatively, the airborne vehicle may be landedelsewhere and manually positioned on the platform 820. In the case of aland-based vehicle the vehicle may be driven directly onto the platform820 or may be driven near the platform then manually positioned on theplatform 820.

When the vehicle 830 is positioned on the platform the alignmentassembly 850 may be activated to align the payload 840 over the aperture822 in the platform 820. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 8A theelectromagnetic pads 850 may be activated to position and secure thevehicle 830 over the aperture 822 in the platform 820.

At operation 1015 an empty docking station is aligned with the aperture822 in the platform 820. In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 8A and 8B,the rotating turntable 872 may be advanced such that an empty dockingstation 874 is beneath the aperture 822 in the platform. When therotating turntable is in this position the payload platform 864 ispositioned underneath the empty docking station.

At operation 1020 the first payload 840 is removed from the vehicle 830.In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 8A and 8B the hoist assembly 862raises the payload platform 864 through the empty docking station 874 inthe turntable 872 such that the payload platform 864 contacts thepayload 840 on the vehicle. In embodiments in which the payloadcomprises a modular battery case 900 as described with reference toFIGS. 9A-9E the payload platform 864 applies pressure to the modularbattery case 900, which cases the locking anchor 930 to depress theengagement/disengagement button 950 on the locking component 946. This,in turn, causes the jaws 948 of the locking component to release thelocking anchor 930, thereby automatically releasing the payload 840 fromthe vehicle. The payload 830 then rests on the payload platform 864.

At operation 1025 the payload 840 removed from the vehicle in operation1020 is placed in an empty docking station 874. In the embodimentdepicted in FIGS. 8A and 8B the hoist assembly 862 lowers the payloadplatform 864 through the empty docking station 874 in the turntable 872.In some embodiments the modular battery case 900 is dimensioned suchthat it is smaller than the aperture in the empty docking station 874,such that the modular battery case passes through the aperture in theempty docking station.

At operation 1030 the payload advancing assembly is advanced to positiona new payload 840 in the aperture 822 beneath the vehicle 830 on theplatform 820. In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 8A and 8B theturntable 872 is rotated to position a new payload 840 in the aperture822 beneath the vehicle 830.

At operation 1035 the new payload is secured to the vehicle. In theembodiment depicted in FIGS. 8A and 8B the hoist assembly raises thepayload platform 864 through the docking station 874 in the turntable872 such that the payload is lifted off the payload platform 864 and upto the vehicle 830. In embodiments in which the payload comprises amodular battery case 900 as described with reference to FIGS. 9A-9E thepayload platform 864 applies pressure to the modular battery case 900,which causes the locking anchor 930 to depress theengagement/disengagement button 950 on the locking component 946. This,in turn, causes the jaws 948 of the locking component to lock onto thelocking anchor 930, thereby automatically securing the payload 840 tothe vehicle 830. The payload platform 864 may then be lowered backthrough the docking station 874 in the turntable 872.

As described above, in some embodiments the payload 840 may comprise atleast one battery. In such embodiments the base station 800 maycomprise, or be coupled to, a battery charging station to rechargebatteries removed from the vehicle 830. By way of example and notlimitation in some embodiments the docking stations 874 in the turntable872 may comprise a battery charging terminal such that batteries storedin the docking stations 874 are charged. In such embodiments the modularbattery case 900 is larger than the aperture in the empty dockingstation 874, such that the modular battery case 900 is positioned indocking station 874 on the turntable 872 when the payload platform 846drops through the aperture in the empty docking station 874. The batterymay then be charged while it is positioned in the docking station 874.

Thus, described herein are exemplary embodiments of a vehicle loadingstation and associated methods for using a vehicle loading station. Insome embodiments the vehicle loading station comprises a housing whichdefines at least one platform onto which a vehicle carrying a payloadmay be positioned. A vehicle docking assembly docks and secures thevehicle on the platform. A payload replacement assembly removes apayload from the vehicle and replaced with a new payload.

In some embodiments the payload 840 may comprise one or more batteries.In other embodiments the payload 840 may comprise a transport payload,e.g., materials or goods. In other embodiments the payload 840 maycomprise a dispensable payload such as water or a fire suppressant.

Reference in the specification to “one embodiment” or “some embodiments”means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic describedin connection with the embodiment is included in at least animplementation. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” invarious places in the specification may or may not be all referring tothe same embodiment.

Although embodiments have been described in language specific tostructural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understoodthat claimed subject matter may not be limited to the specific featuresor acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosedas sample forms of implementing the claimed subject matter.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system, comprising: a vehicle base station onwhich a vehicle may be positioned; a modular battery case, comprising: ahousing comprising a lower portion and an upper portion defining achamber capable of holding one or more batteries; at least one alignmentpin extending from an upper surface of the upper portion of the housingto facilitate appropriate alignment of the modular battery case with abattery receptacle on the vehicle, the battery receptacle comprising atleast one locking component, the locking component comprising opposingjaws; and at least one locking anchor extending from the upper surfaceof the upper portion of the housing and positioned to be received by thelocking component when the modular battery case is inserted into thebattery receptacle, wherein the opposing jaws are operable to close andlock onto the at least one locking anchor; and an assembly toautonomously load and unload the modular battery case from the vehicle.2. The system of claim 1, wherein the vehicle base station, comprises: asecond housing defining at least one platform to support the vehicle; avehicle docking assembly to align a payload carried by the vehicle at alocation on the at least one platform; and a payload replacementassembly to remove the payload from the vehicle and to replace thepayload with a new payload.
 3. The system of claim 2, further comprisinga battery recharging assembly to recharge the one or more batteries. 4.The system of claim 2, wherein the at least one locking componentfurther comprises a disengagement button disposed between the opposingjaws which, when depressed, causes the opposing jaws to disengage the atleast one locking anchor.
 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the payloadreplacement assembly activates the disengagement button to release themodular battery case from the battery receptacle.
 6. The system of claim5, wherein the payload replacement assembly applies pressure to themodular battery case, thereby causing the at least one locking anchor todepress the disengagement button to release the modular battery casefrom the battery receptacle.
 7. The system of claim 4, wherein themodular battery case fits a variety of battery types.
 8. The system ofclaim 2, wherein the payload replacement assembly comprises a hoistassembly comprising a payload platform moveable between a first positionin which the payload platform is displaced from the payload carried bythe vehicle to a second position in which the payload platform contactsthe payload.
 9. The system of claim 8, further comprising a payloadadvancing assembly to advance the payload into a third position fromwhich the hoist assembly can secure the payload to the vehicle.
 10. Thesystem of claim 9, wherein: the at least one platform comprises at leastone aperture; the payload advancing assembly comprises a rotatableturntable positioned beneath the at least one platform; the rotatingturntable comprises a plurality of docking stations, each dockingstation defining a first aperture; and the hoist assembly configured toextend the payload platform through a second aperture in the turntableand through the at least one aperture in the at least one platform tocontact the payload on the vehicle.
 11. The system of claim 10, whereinthe docking stations on the rotating turntable comprise a batterycharging subsystem.
 12. The system of claim 2, wherein the vehicledocking assembly comprises an alignment mechanism to align the vehiclein a predetermined position on the platform.
 13. The system of claim 12,wherein the alignment mechanism comprises at least one electromagnetpositioned on the platform.
 14. The system of claim 1, wherein thebattery receptacle fits heterogeneous vehicles including aircraft andground vehicles.